Take your time
by fuzzyfay
Walk around. Find something you really want to see and figure out how to get there. It's true that getting lost is absolutely necessary and unavoidable. Ride the vaparetti the length of the Grand Canal. We arrived by train, in the rain. As we approached the Grand Canal it was just as if we had stepped through the looking glass. You are transported! Part of it is that you're some place you've seen in photos, but also it has such charm, such magic. I will always miss the ambiance, the fun, the romance and the gelati!
Venice Tip
by london.gal
Venice Carnival first gained widespread popularity in the 18th century. Back then, it began immediately after Christmas and lasted for six weeks! Citizens wore gaily coloured costumes and put on comedic performances in the theatres and on street corners, poking fun at social and religious rituals and conventions. Today, the Carnival lasts for just a few weeks. The days and nights are filled with masked balls and sumptuous gala parties, drawing people from all over the world. Costumed revellers spill onto the narrow alleys, bridges and lavish piazzas of Venice. You can even sense in the air the mighty sounds of trumpets, firecrackers and drums!!!!!!! The streets near the famed Piazza San Marco get so crowded that at times the crowd picks you right up off your feet!!!!!!!!! The piazza itself is packed, very packed and completely filled with people dancing. So what are you waiting for??? Call your travel agent NOW!!!!!
Stopping for lunch, while...
by Barbara2
Stopping for lunch, while overlooking the gondolas and Grand Canal, you may be joined by some very aggressive birds. They will come and perch on the edge of your plate and help themselves to your meal if you are not watchful.
Romance on Plaza del San Marco
by FRONA
Sunny day:
You and your beloved having cappuchino and looking at folks passing by. You chill and then you go feed the pidgeons. Your dear is covered in pidgeons and their excrement but you love her anyway.
Rainy day:
You freeze your ass off and need an umbrella to kiss in the rain. If you are lucky there is no wind and the tide is low.
Pack Light and bring Plenty of Euros
by LIDolly
A rolling bag is a must - yes even with bridges and cobblestones. There's a lot more dragging than lifting, and there is no one to do it for you. We each took one small rolling bag and used a backpack as our carry-on. We also took an extra empty LeSportsac type suitcase and filled it with laundry, using the rolling bags for packing any purchases. Tip: They do not allow backpacks into the museums, you will need to check them - so be sure to carry your valuables separately. We purchased travel pouches for that purpose and were very satisfied with them. Pack as LIGHTLY as you possibly can, but realize that even with rain boots, you will be very wet at the end of the day in rainy season. The streets are quite dirty, it won't be enough to "rinse" your pants, you'll either have to wash them or bring a sufficient quantity. I cannot stress enough how important rainboots are at this time of year. Galoshes, overshoes - they must be at least calf height. Even the Italians were asking us where we got our boots! (See our pictures for the calf high flooding in St. Mark's Square, and even light flooding at local bridges. Umbrellas are difficult to use because of the narrow streets and alleys, ponchos are better. We brought soap and shampoo, but the hotel, a 3 star, did provide it. We brought loads of Pepcid AC (Used them!), Benedryl (used them - mosquito bites - ouch!!), Rhuli-Gel (anti-itch, used it!), Aleve (Used it! Walking for 8 hours/+ per day) and assorted other items. Cough drops are sold everywhere. It goes without saying. Be sure to bring a charger and an adaptor for your charger. Everything in Venice costs a fortune, and dollars are worthless. Although it's great to have credit cards, there are loads of places - especially cafes - that do not accept them. It's cash - in Euros - or go elsewhere. So be sure to always have cash (Euros) on you. ATM's often give better rates than anywhere else.
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Il Redentore seen from the Zattere
Cupolas of San Marco - View from the Cortillo.
Walking Venice
leaving the hotel, after lunch, for the airport
